Can Trump rely on North Carolina?

The 15 electoral college votes on offer from North Carolina has been hotly tipped to play a pivotal role in the outcome of this election. Clinton and Trump look to the east coast state hoping to have galvanised their core vote. The North Carolina electorate boast a sharply contrasted demographic with large rural and urban areas. The polls are set to close in the state at 19:30 PM Eastern Time.

Past Elections

More recent elections have given the Republicans reason to feel optimistic, with 2008 being the only Democrat win since 1976. Inspiring core Democrat voters has very much been Hillary’s main task in this state as she looks to replicate Obama’s victory in 2008. The Possibilities of Trump becoming president itself may trigger a rise in Democrat turnout as opposed to Clinton’s influence.

Overall Significance

A Donald Trump victory in North Carolina is imperative to any chance of a presidential inauguration for the New Yorker. It is clear that the best chance of a Trump victory begins with winning the states Romney was able to win in 2012. A close fought battle in 2012 saw Romney claim North Carolina, putting pressure on Trump to secure it. The Clinton camp has therefore made great efforts to secure the state, seeing a victory here as a potential knockout blow to Trump’s prospects.